Diana Moore is leader of the Green Party on the city council and a councillor for St David’s ward, where the development is located.

Speaking to oppose the deal at the meeting she said affordable housing had been a “crucial part” of the planning approval and the change would “add to the systemic housing failure in Exeter”.

A housing crisis in Exeter was identified in a major report in 2024 and Moore said it was particularly acute “for single people for whom the options are dwindling and expensive”.

Planning permission was previously granted for two “co-living” blocks with 276 studios and 107 bedrooms with shared kitchen and dining areas.

Anne Jobson, Conservative group leader, told the meeting: “My suspicions are that co-living will end up as student living in due course, and Exeter won’t see any benefit from it.”